22 August 2014

Collects

Prayers developed from the daily readings 

Friday 22 August 2014 

Morning Prayer

Psalm 118: 1 – 18

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever! The remainder of the psalm tells of God’s assistance and reminds us to put our trust not in people or rulers, but God alone.

2 Chronicles 31: 1 – 12a

After the great festival the people return to their towns and dismantle all places of worship to other gods and idols. Hezekiah re-establishes the orders of priests and Levites and ensures they are provided for. The people tithe and storehouses are needed to contain the abundant supplies.

Acts 20: 1 – 16

When the trouble in Ephesus quiets Paul continues his mission onwards through Macedonia and Greece. In Troas while talking late into the night a young man falls asleep and topples off the building. He is thought to be dead. Paul goes to him and announces that he is alive. The boy is taken home, alive. Paul breaks bread with the people and travels on eager to get to Jerusalem if possible for Pentecost.

Collect for Morning Prayer

Morning gum blossom
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

Eternally merciful God you provide us with everything we need through and with each other. Help us today to keep our hearts open to you so that we may be available to give of ourselves, our time and energy to each other and thus share the greatest riches – genuine relationships and genuine care so that your will may be done on earth through Jesus Christ our Lord and redeemer. Amen.

Friday 22 August 2014

Evening Prayer

Psalms 118: 19 – 29 and 120

The psalm section brims with sweet praise to God. “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes”.

The second psalm is a cry of distress from a person in exile far from Israel surrounded by warrior people, “I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war” (v.7).

Song of Songs 8

The woman ponders whether it would be better for her if the lover was her brother then at least she could kiss him, have him in her company, rest with him and feed him. Again she warns other young women not to stir up love before it is ready.

The power of love is unquenchable and so the lovers want to be the seal for each other’s heart. There is now a chorus of brothers protecting a younger sister. The woman responds that she is grown and needs no protection but brings peace to her lover. Then she compares herself to Solomon’s vineyard that he had keepers to care for and produce fruit. She is her own vineyard and own keeper.

Finally there is a call and response between the lovers.

Romans 13

Paul teaches that we are not above the laws of the land and should be subject to laws and rulers, pay our taxes and respect.

We are not to be in debt to anyone except to love them. We are to behave well, not steal or covet and to love our neighbours as ourselves.

We are now to wake from sleep. Salvation is nearer now than it was yesterday. Let us put on the armour of light – Jesus, live honourably and not have any time for gratifying the self.

Collect for Evening Prayer

Light on the grass
Armadale WA 2014 L Osburn

God of abundant love and challenge, you love us beyond our understanding, beyond anything that we might experience with each other and you want us to love each other as you love us. Help us every moment to find the ways to be your loving people among the warriors, in the tough workplaces, disrupted communities and troubled families. Be for us our armour of light so that we may step out in faith and hope and love for you through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen